Kananelo Boloetse
In December last year, MISA Lesotho, with the generous support of the Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) and the Network of Early Childhood Development of Lesotho (NECDOL), hosted the inaugural Journalism Excellence Awards. It was a truly remarkable and inspiring event, though I must admit there is room for improvement, as is always the case with any new initiative.
The journalism profession in Lesotho remains one of the most underappreciated and under-rewarded vocations. Every time I mention this, I am often met with the observation that this is the case globally. While that may be true in other countries, I cannot definitively speak to their realities. What I do know, however, is that in Lesotho, journalists work tirelessly, often without the recognition or support they deserve.
The awards ceremony was more than just a formal recognition of excellence in journalism. For many journalists, it became a rare moment of celebration—a year-end party of sorts, a Christmas gift for those who dedicate their lives to informing and empowering society.
In Lesotho, many media houses lack the financial capacity to organise Christmas parties for their employees. For this reason, the Journalism Excellence Awards have taken on a dual purpose, not only do they celebrate outstanding contributions to journalism, but they also serve as a much-needed year-end celebration for journalists.
I cannot overemphasise the importance of such gatherings, as they have been proven to boost morale and foster a sense of unity and appreciation among staff.
Imagine the disheartening reality for journalists who, year after year, watch employees in other sectors enjoying Christmas parties, while their own tireless efforts go unrecognized and unrewarded. This disparity dampens their spirits and serves as a stark reminder of the struggles within the journalism profession.
It is for this reason that the Journalism Excellence Awards must become an annual tradition, held in December. This event serves more than one purpose: it honours excellence, uplifts spirits, and provides an opportunity for the media fraternity to come together in celebration.
MISA Lesotho has already confirmed its commitment to making this an annual event, with the second edition scheduled for December this year.
I am making this call to action in January because it is crucial to start preparing early. Organisations and individuals have ample time to step forward and contribute to making the second edition of the Journalism Excellence Awards bigger, better, and more impactful.
To be honest, it was disappointing to see a critical sector like the media manage to secure only two partners for such an important event last year. While some organisations initially pledged their support, they withdrew at the eleventh hour, leaving several award categories without sponsorship. This was a significant letdown, especially considering the indispensable role that journalists play in our society.
Take NGOs, for instance. They frequently rely on the media to amplify their programs and activities and leverage media coverage to secure funding and raise awareness. When NGOs need to expose wrongdoing or shed light on critical issues, they turn to journalists.
Yet, when the time comes to acknowledge these journalists, who often sacrifice weekends and family time to travel and report on NGO activities, many NGOs are conspicuously absent. While it is true that some NGOs struggle with funding, not all are in dire financial straits. Why, then, did only NECDOL step up last year?
The private sector, too, must reflect on its role. Corporations regularly hold press conferences to promote their initiatives, from launching new products to distributing shoes or sanitary pads as part of their corporate social responsibility programs. These events receive extensive media coverage, often at no cost to the corporations.
Under normal circumstances, such publicity should be accompanied by paid advertising, yet our media absorbs the costs. However, when it comes to supporting journalism awards, many of these corporations are silent. This silence is not just disheartening, it is a missed opportunity to give back to a sector that tirelessly promotes and supports their activities.
Some may argue they were unaware of last year’s awards. This may be true, which is why I am writing this now to ensure no one can claim ignorance this time. December may seem far away, but in reality, it is not.
Supporting the Journalism Excellence Awards is not about doing Kananelo Boloetse, Chairperson of MISA Lesotho, or its National Director Lekhetho Ntsukunyane a favour. Nor is it about benefiting MISA Lesotho as an organisation.
It is about acknowledging the journalists who are always there when you need them, the humble servants who work tirelessly to inform, educate, and empower society.
This year, let us come together to make the Journalism Excellence Awards a resounding success. By supporting this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to a free and vibrant media sector, which is the cornerstone of any thriving democracy.
I reiterate that the silence from NGOs and the private sector during last year’s Journalism Excellence Awards was not just disappointing, it was an indictment of how little value we place on those who dedicate their lives to informing the public. We cannot claim to support democracy, accountability, and transparency while simultaneously ignoring the plight of the very people who make these principles possible.
Journalism is the lifeblood of a functioning society, and without it, corruption flourishes, ignorance prevails, and democracy withers.
To those who turned their backs on this initiative last year, I ask: Where would your causes, your products, your profits, and your reputations be without the media?
Would your campaigns succeed without journalists spreading your message? Would your donations resonate without the coverage that amplifies them? The answer is clear. You need journalism. But journalism also needs you.
This is your chance to be part of something meaningful. Supporting the Journalism Excellence Awards is not just a gesture, it is a statement. It says you stand with those who fight for truth, who expose injustice, who amplify voices, and who hold power to account. It says you understand that a strong media is not a luxury; it is a necessity.
To NGOs, to businesses, to government bodies, and to every individual who values freedom and progress: step up. Be bold. Be generous. And above all, be fair. If the media can work tirelessly to support you, the least you can do is stand by them when it matters most.
December is coming, and with it, an opportunity to show where your priorities lie. Will you stand with journalism, or will you stand by, silent and absent, as it struggles alone?
The choice is yours. History will remember which one you made.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author, Kananelo Boloetse, in his personal capacity. Kananelo Boloetse serves as the Chairperson of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Lesotho. However, this article does not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of MISA Lesotho or its affiliates. Any opinions, positions, or statements made are solely those of the author.
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